## Summary:

The use of IBM Cloud VPC images is essential for the deployment of instances, with options including stock images, custom images, and catalog images. Stock images are pre-configured operating systems provided by IBM, and users can deploy instances immediately with these images. Custom images allow users to create virtual servers with customized settings and configurations and can also include additional software. Catalog images are similar to custom images but can be shared within an enterprise or publicly. Managing the lifecycle of these images is crucial for efficient use within IBM Cloud VPC.

## Getting the Most Out of IBM Cloud VPC Images

Images are crucial for creating instances on IBM Cloud VPC. These images include stock images, custom images, and catalog images. Stock images are pre-configured operating systems provided by IBM, such as Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Windows Server, and Debian, among others. Custom images allow users to create instances with customized settings and configurations, while catalog images can be shared within an enterprise or publicly.

### Stock Images

Stock images are pre-configured operating systems tailored for IBM Cloud VPC environments. They allow for immediate deployment of virtual servers and bare metal servers with various architecture types. IBM offers a wide range of stock images, and the company aligns with the end-of-support dates set by each vendor. Users can deploy instances using available and deprecated images, but obsolete stock images cannot be used for new deployments.

#### Deploying an Instance Using Stock Images

The process involves selecting a stock image from the instance creation page and saving the desired architecture type.

### Custom Images

Custom images contain operating system images with specific configurations customized by users. They enable the creation of virtual servers with personalized settings and can also include additional software. Users are responsible for managing and setting the lifecycle status of custom images.

#### Creating a Custom Image

Users can create custom images from existing instances, select boot volumes, import images from Cloud Object Storage, and manage the lifecycle of the custom image.

#### Deploying an Instance Using a Custom Image

The process includes changing the image under the Image and profile section, selecting the custom image required, and saving it to create the instance.

### Catalog Images

Catalog images are custom images that can be shared within an enterprise or publicly. Users can manage the status of catalog images at the catalog level, and IBM partners can use public catalogs to share images in the IBM Catalog.

#### Deploying an Instance Using a Catalog Image

The process involves changing the image under the Image and profile section, selecting the desired catalog image, and then creating the instance.

### Learn More

IBM Cloud VPC provides different types of images tailored to various business needs, including stock images for quick deployment, custom images for replication of configurations, and catalog images for sharing with third-party vendors or within an enterprise.

For additional information and detailed steps, users can refer to [IBM Cloud VPC documentation](https://cloud.ibm.com/docs/vpc?topic=vpc-about-images).

## FAQ

**Q: Can custom images be shared within an enterprise on IBM Cloud VPC?**
A: Yes, custom images can be shared within an enterprise using private catalogs.

**Q: Can stock images be used as a base for creating custom images?**
A: Yes, stock images can be used as a base for creating custom images.

**Q: What are the main benefits of using catalog images in IBM Cloud VPC?**
A: Catalog images allow users to share customized images within an enterprise or publicly.

**Q: Can users create custom images from existing instances in IBM Cloud VPC?**
A: Yes, users can create custom images from existing instances with personalized settings and configurations.

**Q: How can I manage the lifecycle of custom images in IBM Cloud VPC?**
A: Users can manage the lifecycle of custom images by specifying deprecation and obsolete dates in advance.

**Q: What are the main operating systems supported by IBM Cloud VPC stock images?**
A: The main operating systems supported include Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Windows Server, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server, Debian, Ubuntu, Rocky Linux, CentOS Stream, and Fedora.

This information has been provided by the IBM Cloud Images Product Manager.